Canada's CBC Cuts Ties With 'Q' Host Jian Ghomeshi

Trending News: Jian Ghomeshi Has Surrended To Police

Why Is This Important?

Jian Ghomeshi was popular in Canada and in the U.S., so why has he been kicked to the curb by the CBC?

Long Story Short

Canada’s public broadcaster announced that Jian Ghomeshi, the popular host of CBC arts and culture radio program ‘Q’, won’t be doing another show. The CBC said “information” came to their attention that legitimized their decision. In turn, Ghomeshi has pledged to sue for $50 million.

Long Story

“Hi there,” the smooth voice of the British-born and proud Canadian would begin on radios across Canada and on 180 NPR/PRI stations in the US. Then, accompanied by epic background music, Jian Ghomeshi’s essay would start with a stance on a major topic of the day, be it the recent shooting in Ottawa, the tragic death of a celebrity like Robin Williams, or, sometimes, something lighter.

Many of Ghomeshi’s essays and interviews were controversial — which can be a tricky tightrope to walk for a publically-funded broadcaster. In an interview that has since become Canadian radio legend, Ghomeshi stood up for himself in a heated exchange with Billy Bob Thornton (an absolute must see).

However, despite the attention Ghomeshi received after his Billy Bob Thornton showdown, despite selling out live tapings across the country, despite the assertion of ‘Q’ as one of the top shows on CBC and the exciting expansion into the US, the CBC has decided to cut ties with the host.

CBC says its relationship with Jian Ghomeshi has come to an end. Decision was made with 'serious deliberation' and 'careful consideration.'

The CBC announced on Sunday that its relationship with Ghomeshi “has come to an end". “This decision was not made without serious deliberation and careful consideration," reads the statement. "Jian has made an immense contribution to the CBC and we wish him well."

Thanks for all the well wishes, you guys. I'm ok. Just taking some much needed personal time.

The news comes just two days after Ghomeshi announced a leave of absence for personal reasons, which many thought to be related to the recent death of his father. But now it looks like there was something else at play. "Information came to our attention recently that in CBC's judgment precludes us from continuing our relationship with Jian," CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson told CBC News.

In return, Ghomeshi's publicist said in a statement that he will be suing the CBC for $50 million in damages and will pursue a grievance for reinstatement.

There will surely be speculation about things the former folk-rock musician for the band Moxy Fruvous might have said on the show to influence this surprising decision, but we won’t be hearing any answers from Ghomeshi as the Toronto Star reported that he has been barred from talking about it.

Considering Ghomeshi’s popularity, it’s hard to imagine that the CBC took this decision lightly, so it will be very interesting to see the reason(s) – if one is ever provided.

Update: Jian Ghomeshi told his side of the story on his Facebook page, writing that the CBC fired him due to allegations concerning his sex life.

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